Brushing & Flossing
Brushing And Flossing Is Important For Children Too!
Along with teaching your children healthy habits like eating right and exercising, every parent should focus on teaching their kids to brush and floss properly. While it can be a hard skill to instill, brushing and flossing is vital for your child’s oral health. Here is a brief oral health guide for children of all ages:
- Babies: Infants need dental care, even before their teeth actually break through. To clean milk residue and bacteria off of the gums, wipe your infant’s gums with a clean, moist washcloth twice a day.
- Toddlers: The American Dental Association recommends having your child visit the dentist by the time their first tooth comes in, or by the time they turn one—whichever comes first. After your child’s teeth break through, use an infant’s toothbrush and a tiny bit of fluoride toothpaste to brush your toddler’s teeth twice a day.
- School-Age Children: As soon as kids are capable of brushing on their own, remind them to brush in the morning and before bed. If possible, check their teeth to make sure that they are being brushed properly.
- Teens: Teenagers who have orthodontic accessories like braces or retainers need to take extra special care of their teeth. In addition to using a special toothpaste made for braces, teens should be flossing carefully daily to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay.
If you are concerned about how to care for your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with Hines Little Smiles. Our pediatric dentists can talk with you and your child to determine the right daily oral hygiene routine for your kid’s individual needs.
